Steve Cole
Moonlight
Artistry Music
www.mackavenue.com
By George W. Harris

Steve Cole knows how to use his tone on the sax. He’s got a big, warm sound on the tenor, and a gentle flowery one on the soprano. Here, he goes through a set of lush standards, with some gorgeous string arrangements by Michael Cunningham, as well as adroit and jazzy support by Mike Logan/key, Russell Ferrante/p and Steve Rodby/b. They coalesce together to create a cinematic sound, almost like a soundtrack to some epic film. Tunes like “(I’m Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over” and the title track ooze in bel canto reflection on tenor, while Cole’s soprano on “Long And Winding Road” and “You Can Close Your Eyes” yearns in wistfulness. Logan’s keyboards on “Undun” add a bit of zip, while the whole rhythm team snaps together well on the R&B “You Don’t Know Me.” Mood music to get you in a better one.